Irrigation and suction valve and method therefor

ABSTRACT

The in-line hand operated valve controls the flow of at least one, and preferably both, irrigation fluid and suction respectively to and from a surgical site via a delivery line. In one working embodiment, suction fluid is supplied to the valve via a first source line and suction is supplied to the valve via a second source line. The valve body defines, source ports in fluid communication with the source lines and a delivery port in fluid communication with the delivery line. The valve body includes at least one, and preferably two, collapsible internal fluid carrying channels in fluid communication with the respective source port and the delivery port. Each valve mechanism includes an operator control surface, a stem, and a compressor member acting on and closing and opening the collapsible segment of the fluid carrying channel or body. A biasing element (such as a spring or other resilient body) keeps the valve stem and the compressor element in either an open or a closed state. A two position interlocking mechanical switch is coupled to the valve stem. In one position, the compressor element is extended and is the ON valve position and in a second position, the compressor element is withdrawn to achieve the OFF valve position. Preferably, operator control surfaces are disposed on opposing side wall surfaces of the generally cylindrical or torpedo shaped valve body. When closed, and the operator control surfaces are substantially co-extensive with the cylindrical or torpedo shaped valve body. The method of providing a valve control utilizes these shape and click open and click close systems.

[0001] The present invention relates to a hand operated valve forcontrolling the flow of at least one, and preferably both, irrigationfluid and suction to and from a surgical site and a valving methodtherefor.

[0002] During medical procedures, it is common to irrigate or wash awound with sterilized fluid (herein “irrigation fluid”). Further, duringlaproscopic surgical procedures, the physician or other healthprofessional (sometimes herein identified as “an operator”) may utilizethe irrigation fluid for hydrodissection. In both procedures, theirrigation fluid is provided via a source line from a source orreservoir of fluid. Many times, the irrigation fluid is provided underpressure (for example, 5-15 psi) to the surgical site.

[0003] Physicians and other health professionals also utilize suction toremove spent irrigation fluid, other bodily fluids and debris which mayaccumulate at the wound site or surgical site. In certain medicalprocedures, the physician utilizes suction to remove gas. Gas issometimes used to create an operable cavity at a laproscopic surgicalsite. Suction, or negative air pressure (some pressure below the ambientpressure), is created in a suction source line via a vacuum source and asump. As used herein, the term “suction source” or “source of suction”refers to a supply of negative air pressure. Although from a strictlyscientific view point, suction is not created from “a suction source,”the negative pressure developed by the vacuum pump is a resource used bythe physician or other health professional. If the vacuum pump fails tooperate properly, the resource or source of suction is no longeravailable to the physician. In a similar manner, if the reservoir of theirrigation fluid dissipates, the source of irrigation fluid is no longeravailable for use by the physician. In this sense, the present inventionutilizes a source of suction.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,796 to Dorsey discloses a metered and gaugedtrumpet valve utilized to control irrigation fluid to a surgical siteand suction applied to a suction line leading to the surgical site. Asdisclosed in Dorsey '796, the output of the metering valve is a singledelivery line leading to the surgical site. Irrigation fluid is turnedON and OFF via the valve control and suction is turned ON and OFF basedthe controllable positions of valve stems in the metering valve. TheDorsey '796 metering valve includes a rotatable operator control surfacewhich has a normally disposed plate with a slope control or a camsurface. A generally cylindrical valve stem has a shoulder about itsperiphery upon which rests a gear having sloped control shapes or asloped cam surface. The gear is keyed to the cylindrical valve stem.When the operator rotates the operator control surface, the cam shapedvalve control surface affixed to the operator control rotates therebychanging the contact point on the sloping cam surface. The controlsloping cam surface moves on the sloped cam surface of the valve stemgear thereby changing the vertical limit or stop position of the valvestem. By rotating the operator control surface, the valve opens to oneof several gauge positions. At the other end of the valve stem, flowcontrol is achieved between the stem and a valve body. The valve stem isbiased in a direction to either fully open or fully close the irrigationand/or suction flow through the valve body. Preferably, the valve isbiased closed. The physician can provide variable flow control bydepressing the valve stem against the biasing enforce of the springthereby opening or closing the valving aperture and the valve body. Byrotating the control surface, the physician can establish preset flowcontrol points or limits for the throw of the valve stem. An example ofthe use of a preset flow control is providing a low level of irrigationfluid at the surgical site. At the same time, the physician may operatethe suction control valve from a fully OFF position to a fully ONposition by depressing the valve stem vertically thereby opening thevalving aperture between the valve stem and the valve body. In apreferred embodiment, the initial valve positions are in a blocking orOFF position thereby blocking irrigation fluid flow to the surgical siteand blocking suction from the surgical site. The metered valve in Dorsey'796 is generally rectangular in shape with the irrigation source lineand suction source line affixed to the valve at a position normal to thedelivery line. As stated earlier, the delivery line carries irrigationfluid to the surgical site and, at a different valve setting, providessuction and vacuum from the surgical site.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,145 to Dorsey discloses an irrigation controlfor endoscopic unit. U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,504 to Dorsey discloses acomposite irrigation suction probe and valve. U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,111 toHjertman discloses a device for dosing a liquid preparation. This '111patent discloses an injection device provided for continuously variablemetering and administration of a liquid preparation. The device has aholder for a multi-dose injection cartridge. U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,204 toChanoch discloses a medication delivery pen cap with an actuated dosedelivery clutch. U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,314 to Neill discloses a syringewith an incrementally actuated plunger. U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,472 toMichel discloses an injection device with utilizes an exchangeablepre-filled syringe.

[0006] The following patents disclose valving systems that are notutilized in surgical procedures. U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,448 to Chou(discloses a touch button controlled water stop mounted in a fixed pipeline carrying water, e.g. water to a shower); U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,552 toWang et al. (discloses a foot operated valve); U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,755to Maglice et al. (discloses a two position mechanical switch to controla flashlight); U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,477 to Nilsson et al. (discloses aventilator valve control); U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,508 to Berlin (disclosesa clamp used for occlusion of blood vessels); U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,985 toGross et al. (discloses a hand controlled faucet); U.S. Pat. No.3,220,695 to Downey et al. (discloses a push button drain valve); U.S.Pat. No. 3,046,802 to Cupedo (discloses a stop valve); U.S. Pat. No.4,221,236 to Rosenberg (a step valve); U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,238 to Madsen(an intermittent valve); U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,983 to Clare (a shut offvalve); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,404 to Sher (a rotary piston valve).

[0007] There is a need for an in-line hand operated valve that is simpleto use and that easily fits within the hand of an operator.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an in-line,hand operated valve for controlling one, and preferably both, medicalirrigation fluid and suction to and from a surgical site.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide acylindrical or a torpedo shaped hand held valve for controllingirrigation fluid and suction to and from a surgical site.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a valveand a valving method whereby the operator control surfaces are onopposing sides, the mechanical valving switch systems in the valveprovide audible, tactile and preferably both audible and tactileresponses to the operator.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide avariable flow control by permitting the operator to depress the operatorcontrol surface and hence the valve stem through a throw distancebetween a click open and a click close position.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to utilize aclick open and click close mechanism similar to that used in connectionwith ball point pen cartridge controls which, during a click openoperation, causes the point of the ink cartridge to protrude beyond thepen body and, during a click close operation, causes the ink pencartridge tip to retract within the pen body.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide clickopen and click close operator control surfaces at opposing sides of thecylindrical or torpedo shaped valve body.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide theoperator control surfaces at a positions substantially maintaining thecylindrical shape or the torpedo shape of the valve body when the valveblocks or closes OFF irrigation flow and suction flow through the valvebody.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide anirrigation and suction flow control valve which is simple tomanufacture, inexpensive and easy to operate.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide anirrigation and suction control valve which is disposable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The in-line hand operated valve controls the flow of at leastone, and preferably both, medical irrigation fluid and suctionrespectively to and from a surgical site via a delivery line. In oneworking embodiment, irrigation fluid is supplied to the valve via afirst source line and suction is supplied to the valve via a secondsource line. The valve body defines, in a working embodiment, sourceports in fluid communication with the irrigation source fluid line andthe suction source line. At the other end of the valve body, a deliveryport is defined and is in fluid communication with the delivery line.The valve body includes at least one, and preferably two, internal fluidcarrying channels. The internal channel is in fluid communication withthe respective source port and the delivery port. At least a portion ofthe internal fluid carrying channel is substantially collapsible. Thevalve includes an operator actuated stem (in a working embodiment twostems, one for each of the irrigation valve switch and the suction valveswitch) having a compressor member acting on and closing and opening thecollapsible segment of the fluid carrying channel or fluid carryingbody. A biasing element (such as a spring or other resilient body) keepsthe valve stem and the compressor element in either an open or a closedstate. A two position interlocking mechanical switch is coupled to thevalve stem. In one position, the compressor element is extended and in asecond position, the compressor element is withdrawn to achieve the openand closed state of the fluid carrying channel or body. In a workingembodiment, two valve stems are used, each with a compressor member, twoindependent biasing elements are utilized and two mechanical twoposition switches are utilized. Further enhancements include operatorcontrol surfaces that are on opposing side wall surfaces of thegenerally cylindrical or torpedo shaped valve body. In a preferredembodiment, the valve is normally closed and the operator controlsurfaces are substantially co-extensive with the cylindrical or torpedoshaped valve body. To open the valves, the control surfaces aredepressed thereby enabling the operator to quickly detect the state ofvalve position without visual confirmation (a tactile response system).Another enhancement of the present invention includes utilization ofaudible clicks to notify the operator when the open or closed state isachieved by each mechanical switch system controlling the position ofthe valve stem and the compressor member. The method of providing avalve control utilizes these shape and click open and click close switchsystems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Further objects and advantages of the present invention can befound in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the suction and irrigation controlvalve in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates the irrigation and suctionvalve used in an a surgical suite;

[0021]FIG. 3 diagrammatically illustrates a partial, cross-sectionalview of the irrigation and suction valve;

[0022]FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates the schematic view of theinternally disposed collapsible tube or fluid carrying body in thevalve, the compressor member and stationary wall opposite the compressormember;

[0023]FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates a detailed view of the valvecontrol and the click open and click close mechanism in accordance withthe principles of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates an exploded view of the valvebody and one of the click open and click close mechanical two positionswitches used in conjunction with the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 7 diagrammatically illustrates an exploded, partial view ofthe partially assembled valve in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention;

[0026]FIG. 8 diagrammatically illustrates a perspective view of the nosecone of the valve;

[0027]FIGS. 9A and 9B diagrammatically illustrate perspective views ofthe fluid joint defining the confluence of the two internal fluid tubesand an internal view of that fluid joint;

[0028]FIG. 10 diagrammatically illustrates a perspective view of onetype of valve stem, compressive member and a stem portion of the clickopen click close mechanical switch;

[0029]FIG. 11 diagrammatically illustrates the stem which is part of thetwo position mechanical switch;

[0030]FIG. 12 diagrammatically illustrates another mechanical element ofthe two position mechanical switch; and

[0031]FIGS. 13A and 13B diagrammatically illustrate the valve stem,compressive member, and another element of the two position mechanicalswitch and FIG. 13B diagrammatically illustrates a different type ofcontrol surface which is mounted on the exterior side of the valve stemshown in FIG. 13A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The present invention relates to a hand operated irrigationand/or suction valve (and preferably a valve that controls bothirrigation fluid and suction) to and from a surgical site and a valvingmethod.

[0033]FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates in-line, hand operated valve10 having a generally cylindrically shaped valve body 12. The term“in-line” is used herein as a reference to a valve that controls fluidor suction between a supply and a delivery tube or hose. In a preferredembodiment, valve body 12 is torpedo shaped with a blunt or truncatedrear end 14 and a substantially cone shaped fore end 16. Valve body 12is sized to fit within the hand of an operator. An operator controlsurface 17 is co-extensive with generally cylindrical section 18 of thegenerally conical nose portion 16 of valve body 12. In a preferredworking embodiment, the co-extensive position of operator controlsurface 17 provides both a tactile and a visual confirmation to theoperator that this portion of valve 10 has closed the fluid channel orcollapsible fluid carrying body inside valve 10. This valve system is inan OFF state. In contrast when operator control surface 17 is depressedand is not co-extensive with surface section 18, in a preferredembodiment, the mechanical switch (discussed in detail below) opens thefluid carrying channel or fluid carrying body in valve 10 and permitseither irrigation fluid to flow from the source line to the deliveryline or delivers suction from the source line to the delivery line whichpermits evacuation of fluid, debris and sometimes gas from the surgicalsite (a valve ON state). Variable control is provided by depressingcontrol surface 17 through the throw of the valve switch. The totalvalve stem throw may exceed the click on, click off stem throw.

[0034]FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates in-line hand operated valve 10coupled to source lines 6, 8 which respectively carry irrigation fluidand suction to and from valve 10. Nose section 16 of valve 10 is coupledto delivery line 4 which leads, in the illustrated embodiment, to ahandle 3 and a nozzle leading to surgical site 1. Valve 10 is called “anin-line” valve because the valve is hand operated and blocks or controlsthe flow of either irrigation fluid or suction to and from surgical site1. It should be appreciated that although the preferred embodiment showsa two valve system, valve 10 can be reconfigured to contain only asingle irrigation fluid or suction fluid valving mechanism. However in aworking embodiment, valve 10 controls the flow of irrigation fluid fromsource line 6 to delivery line 4 and ultimately to surgical site 1 aswell as controls suction and removal of fluid, debris and gas fromsurgical site 1 via delivery line 4 to suction source line 8 (i.e., atwo valve system).

[0035]FIG. 3 diagrammatically illustrates a partial, cross-sectionalview of valve 10. Similar numerals designate similar items throughoutthe drawings. Valve 10, in a working embodiment, includes a generallyhollow body 20 defining a generally planar end cap at terminal end 14.At forward end 22, a hose coupler member 24 is adapted to closely fitand fluidly seal the proximal end of delivery tube 4 (FIG. 2). Sourcetubes 6, 8 (not shown in FIG. 3 but shown in FIG. 2) fluidly seal torear end tube couplers 26, 28. Tube couplers 26, 28 are maintained in astationary position by plate 30. Opposite tube coupler ends 26, 28,rigid internal tube couplers 32, 34 are established. In the illustratedembodiment, two internally disposed, substantially collapsible fluidcarrying bodies or fluid channels 36, 38 extend between internal tubecoupler members 32, 34 and forwardly disposed internal tube couplers40,42. In a preferred embodiment, these channels or fluid carryingbodies 36, 38 are made of soft silicone tubing.

[0036] In the working embodiment, valve 10 defines two pinch valves orclick on-click off mechanical switch mechanisms. One of these clickon-click off mechanical switch mechanisms include operator actuatedcontrol surface 17. As diagrammatically shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,collapsible fluid carrying tube 38 is pinched between movable valve stemcompression member 51 and stationary wall 53. Double headed arrow 55signifies the extension and withdrawal of compression member 51 andstationary symbol 57 signifies that wall 53 remains stationary withrespect to movable compressor member 51. Internal collapsible hose 38 iscompressible at least over the segment spanning compressor member 51 andstationary member 53. Internal fluid tube 38 is coupled to fore endinternal hose coupler 42 and rear end hose coupler 34. In a workingembodiment, the entire tube 38 is soft and compressible.

[0037] It should be noted that FIG. 4 shows compressor member 51 beingwithdrawn to compress or pinch internal tube 38 against stationaryelement 53. The term “withdrawn” is used in a manner similar to the term“retract” in that both terms reference nearby outer portions of thevalve body. However, the mechanical switch and valve can be modifiedsuch that the extension of compressor member 51 pinches tube 38 againsta stationary support wall. In another words, support wall 53 can bemounted on the opposite side of collapsible tube 38 than the tube sideillustrated in FIG. 4. Basically, the valve stem and mechanicallycoupled compressor member can close the valve by retraction (see FIG. 4)or extension dependent upon the internal construction of the valve 10.

[0038]FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates a detailed perspective view ofthe front end of the interior of valve 10. In this view, internal tubes36, 38 are not illustrated. Compressor member 51 is biased or forced inthe direction shown by arrow 55 a by spring 59. This is the valve OFF,compressor withdrawn position. With respect to the other mechanicalswitch and valve, operator control interface 17 is coupled or connectedto compressor member 52. Compressor member 52 is biased in the directionopposite arrow 55 a by spring 60. Compressor member 51 pinches andcloses the internal tube against stationary wall 53. The otherstationary wall for member 52 is not shown.

[0039]FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates a partial, explodedperspective view of valve 10. In a preferred embodiment, valve 10 hastwo semi-circular, generally cylindrically shaped valve bodies 20 a and20 b. Plate 30 provides support for valve bodies 20 a, 20 b at the rearend of the body. At the front end, nose cone 70 (described later) ispart of the generally cylindrical and preferably torpedo shaped valve10.

[0040] User control surface 17 is coupled to compressor member 52.Compressor member 52 squeezes or pinches the internal, highly flexibleand collapsible tube 36 (FIG. 3) between it and stationary wall 54.Spring 60 biases or forces compressor element 52 to a position closingthe compressor element and pinching tube 36 against stationary wall 54.Other types of biasing systems may be utilized including springs, coils,and solid compressible and resilient elements. Rather than utilizing aspring in compression, a spring in extension pulling compressor bar 52radially outward away from the axial centerline of valve 10 may beutilized.

[0041] Valve 10 includes a two position interlocking mechanical switchor a click on-click off switch. As used herein, the mechanical switch orthe click on, click off switch is similar to the extension andretraction control for a ball point pen. This click on-click off twoposition mechanical switch utilizes a stem 62 having a plurality ofsloped control ridges or control surfaces 64. A rotating member 66 hasmatching and mating sloped control surfaces 68 which mate with controlsurfaces 64 of stem 62. In addition, rotating member 66 includesradially outward ridges 72 that cooperate with radially inboard channelsin cage 74. In this manner, when the user or operator first depressescontrol surface 17, the control surface creates a depression beneath thecylindrical or torpedo shaped valve body 20 b. This radially inwardmechanical action causes rotating member 66 to rotate by action ofcontrol surface 68 riding on control surface 64. Rotation stem 66 turnsin accordance with radially inward channels in cage 74 and stem 62 fallswithin deep groove channels in either cage 64 or stem 66. This causes alarge opening between compressive member 52 and stationary wall 54thereby opening fluid to pass through collapsible hose or tube 36 (avalve ON position). Suction works in a similar manner. Upon the seconddepression of operator control surface 17, rotating member 66 againrotates in accordance with the radial channels in cage 74, and controlsurfaces 64, 68 are moved with respect to each other such thatcompressive member 52 is fully withdrawn from the click on position ofthe mechanical switch. Further mechanical details of the click on-clickoff, two position mechanical switch are well documented in otherpublications. However, the utilization of such a click on, click offswitch in an in-line, hand operated irrigation and suction control valvefor medical application purposes is new and different.

[0042]FIG. 7 diagrammatically shows semi-hemispherical valve body 20 bseparated from complementary valve body 20 a. Confluence chamber 80 isplaced in the inside of the fore end of valve bodies 20 a, 20 b. Inorder to quickly and securely lock confluence body 80 and valve bodies20 a, 20 b together, ring 82 and supplemental ring 84 is placed onproximal nose segment 86 and distal nose segment 88 of the valve bodies.The sequence of assembly of this general portion of valve 10 includesplacing confluence chamber 80 in the forward portion of valve body 20 a,placing valve body 20 b on body 20 a per the direction shown by arrow ain FIG. 7, moving large ring 82 in the direction shown by arrow b ontoproximal nose section 86 of bodies 20 a, 20 b and then moving small ring84 as shown by arrow c onto distal nose section 88. Towards the end ofthe process, nozzle member 70 is moved in direction d onto the front endof assembled valve bodies 20 a, 20 b. Rings 82, 84 are preferable metal(e.g. steel).

[0043]FIG. 8 diagrammatically shows nozzle 70 having internal supportridges 110. Internal support ridges 110 stabilize nose cone 70 on thevalve body.

[0044]FIGS. 9A and 9B diagrammatically show confluence chamber 80. FIG.9A shows a perspective view of confluence chamber. FIG. 9B shows indashed lines the internal chambers of confluence or fluid joint chamber80. One internal collapsible tube is mounted onto coupling 40 and theother internal collapsible tube is mounted onto coupling 42. As shown inFIG. 5, these are positions near the front end of the valve which is thelocation for delivery tube 4. See FIG. 2. Hence, delivery tube 4 (FIG.2) fits within tube coupling 84 opposite the dual tube couplings 40,42.Coupling 84 defines a delivery port for fluid and suction. In FIG. 3,couplers 26, 28 define two source ports for the valve 10. Chamber 112 offluid joint 80 provides fluid communication between delivery port,essentially defined by tube coupler 24, and the internal fluid carryingtubes attached to internal tube couplers 40, 42.

[0045]FIG. 10 diagrammatically illustrates a perspective view of valvestem 130 which includes operator interface 17 and compressor member 52and part of the click on-click off mechanical switch. This switch partis stem 62. It should be noted that the switch parts may be placed atreversed or opposite locations than those locations shown herein.

[0046]FIG. 11 shows a detailed view of rotating member 68, slope controlsurfaces 68 and radially extensive members 72.

[0047]FIG. 12 shows a detailed view of cage 74, radially inboardextending guides 120 and positioning stem 122. Positioning stem 122 fitswithin an aperture 123 and rotating stem 66.

[0048]FIGS. 13A and 13B diagrammatically show valve stem 160 whereinoperator control 17 (FIG. 13B) is removably mounted via a complementarytab and locking hole system 128, 131. Tab or locking hole 131 is formedas part of valve stem 130 in FIG. 13A. FIG. 13A also shows slope controlsurfaces 64 and radial depression 124 on the stem for the related twoposition mechanical switch. The throw of the two position mechanicalswitch or click on, click off switch is distance th shown in FIG. 13A.This is the distance between the lower part of control slope 64 and thelower part of radial channels 124. The term “lower” used with respect tostem 62 refers to items radially outboard from the axial centerline ofthe valve 10.

[0049] As stated earlier, the present invention can be figured tooperate and control irrigation fluid singularly or irrigation fluid andsuction (a dual operation valve).

[0050] The following table provides some exemplary data for a workingembodiment of the invention. For example, it takes about 7 pounds offorce to close and turn OFF fluid at 15 psi. This may be decreased to 10pounds during further development.

[0051] Exemplary Dimension and Parameter Table

[0052] overall valve length about 7 in.

[0053] supply line inside diameter (I.D.) about 0.3 in.

[0054] delivery line I.D. about 0.5 in.

[0055] internal tube I.D. about 0.25 in.

[0056] internal tube material: silicone, 30-40 durometer (softness)

[0057] throw of valving bar about 0.2 in.

[0058] The claims appended hereto are meant to cover modifications andchanges within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An in-line, hand operated valve for controllingthe flow of one of medical irrigation fluid and suction respectively toand from a surgical site, said one of irrigation fluid and suctionapplied to said valve via a source line and said one of irrigation fluidand suction delivered to said surgical site via a delivery line, saidvalve comprising: a body defining a first port in fluid communicationwith and adapted to be coupled to said source line carrying said one ofsaid irrigation fluid and said suction and a second port in fluidcommunication with and adapted to be coupled to said delivery line; aninternally disposed, substantially collapsible fluid carrying body influid communication with said first and second ports; an operatoractuated valve stem having a compressor member acting on and closing andopening said internally disposed fluid carrying body; and a biasingelement acting on said valve stem and compressor element to keep saidfluid carrying body in one of an open and a closed state; and a twoposition, interlocking mechanical switch coupled to said valve stem,said two position switch having a first position extending saidcompressor element and a second position withdrawing said compressorelement.
 2. An in-line, hand operated valve as claimed in claim 1wherein said body is elongated and said operator actuated valve stem hasan operator control surface movably disposed normal to said elongatedbody.
 3. An in-line, hand operated valve as claimed in claim 2 whereinsaid body has a front end adjacent said second port and said deliveryline and a rear end adjacent said first port and said source line.
 4. Anin-line, hand operated valve as claimed in claim 2 wherein said body isgenerally cylindrical in shape and said operator control surface issubstantially co-extensive with said cylindrical body when saidcompressor member closes said internal fluid carrying body.
 5. Anin-line, hand operated valve as claimed in claim 1 wherein said valve isutilized in connection with two source lines, one source line carryingirrigation fluid and the other source line carrying suction, whereinsaid first port is one of a first and a second source ports, said firstsource port coupled to said irrigation source line and the second sourceport coupled to said suction source line, said valve including first andsecond internal substantially collapsible fluid carrying bodiesrespectively coupled to said first and second source ports, said valveincluding first and second valve stems, compressor members, biasingelements and mechanical switches respectively operatively associatedwith said first and second internal fluid carrying bodies, said valveincluding a fluid conjoining chamber disposed intermediate said secondport, which is operative as a delivery port, and closable segments ofsaid first and second fluid carrying bodies.
 6. An in-line, handoperated valve as claimed in claim 5 wherein said body is elongated andsaid first and second operator actuated valve stems have respectiveoperator control surfaces movably disposed in opposing positions on andnormal to said elongated body.
 7. An in-line, hand operated valve asclaimed in claim 6 wherein said body has a front end adjacent saiddelivery port and a rear end adjacent said first and second sourceports.
 8. An in-line, hand operated valve as claimed in claim 6 whereinsaid body is generally cylindrical in shape and said operator controlsurfaces are substantially co-extensive with said cylindrical body whensaid respective compressor member closes said corresponding internalfluid carrying body.
 9. An in-line, hand operated valve as claimed inclaim 8 wherein said first and second internal fluid carrying bodies aretubes.
 10. An in-line, hand operated valve as claimed in claim 9 whereineach mechanical switch includes a non-rotating post and an interfittingrotating stem, one of said post and said stem having a plurality ofgenerally sawtooth, uniformly sloped control surfaces and the other ofsaid post and stem having alternating deep and shallow sloped controlsurfaces which interlock with said uniformly sloped control surfaces toposition said post at one of an extended position and a confinedposition with respect to said stem.
 11. An in-line, hand operated valvefor controlling the flow of one of medical irrigation fluid and suctionrespectively to and from a surgical site, said one of irrigation fluidand suction applied to said valve via a source line and said one ofirrigation fluid and suction delivered to said surgical site via adelivery line, said valve comprising: a valve body, sized to be graspedby an operator's hand, and defining a source port in fluid communicationwith and adapted to be coupled to said source line carrying said one ofsaid irrigation fluid and said suction and a delivery port in fluidcommunication with and adapted to be coupled to said delivery line; aninternal, fluid carrying channel, in fluid communication with saidsource and delivery ports, said fluid carrying channel having asubstantially collapsible segment defined thereby; an operator actuatedvalve stem having a compressor member acting on and closing and openingsaid collapsible segment of said fluid carrying channel; and a biasingelement acting on said valve stem and compressor element to keep saidfluid carrying channel in one of an open and a closed state; and a twoposition, interlocking mechanical switch coupled to said valve stem,said two position switch having a first position extending saidcompressor element and a second position withdrawing said compressorelement to achieve said open and closed state of said fluid carryingchannel.
 12. An in-line, hand operated valve as claimed in claim 11wherein said body is elongated and said operator actuated valve stem hasan operator control surface movably disposed normal to said elongatedbody.
 13. An in-line, hand operated valve as claimed in claim 12 whereinsaid body is generally cylindrical in shape and said operator controlsurface is substantially co-extensive with said cylindrical body whensaid compressor member closes said internal fluid carrying channel. 14.An in-line, hand operated valve as claimed in claim 1 wherein said valveis utilized in connection with two source lines, a first source linecarrying irrigation fluid and a second source line carrying suction,wherein the first source port is coupled to said irrigation source lineand the second source port is coupled to said suction source line, saidvalve including first and second internal fluid carrying channels, withrespective substantially collapsible segments, said valve includingfirst and second valve stems, compressor members, biasing elements andmechanical switches respectively operatively associated with said firstand second internal fluid carrying channels, said valve including afluid conjoining chamber disposed intermediate said delivery port andsaid collapsible segments of said first and second fluid carryingchannels.
 16. An in-line, hand operated valve as claimed in claim 14wherein said valve body is elongated and said first and second operatoractuated valve stems have respective operator control surfaces movablydisposed in opposing positions on and normal to said elongated body. 17.An in-line, hand operated valve as claimed in claim 16 wherein saidvalve body is generally cylindrical in shape and said operator controlsurfaces are substantially co-extensive with said cylindrical body whensaid respective compressor member closes said corresponding internalfluid carrying channels.
 18. An in-line, hand operated valve as claimedin claim 17 wherein said first and second internal fluid carryingchannels are tubes.
 19. A hand controlled valving method for controllingthe flow of one of medical irrigation fluid and suction respectively toand from a surgical site via a source line and a delivery linecomprising the steps of: providing a torpedo shaped valve body easilygrasped within an operator's hand; providing a click-open, click-closemechanical switch in said valve body; substantially blocking flow ofsaid one of medical irrigation fluid and suction through said valve bodyand hence to said delivery line while substantially maintaining saidtorpedo shape of said valve body; clicking open said mechanical switchand releasing said flow of said one of medical irrigation fluid andsuction through said valve body and hence to said delivery line andsurgical site while creating a tactile depression in said torpedo shapevalve body; and, clicking close said mechanical switch, blocking saidflow and returning said valve body to said torpedo shape.
 20. A valvingmethod as claimed in claim 19 including the step of providing an audiblesound during the action of said mechanical switch.
 21. A valving methodas claimed in claim 19 including the step of providing a tactileresponse to the operator during the click open step and the click closestep.
 22. A valving method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the methodcontrols flow of both said irrigation fluid and said suction via a pairof source lines respectively carrying said irrigation fluid and saidsuction, said method including the steps of: providing two,independently actuatable click-open, click-close mechanical switches;and independently blocking and releasing irrigation fluid and suctionflow through said valve body.
 23. A valving method as claimed in claim22 including the step of creating a confluence of fluid and suctionbetween said delivery line and said blockage of irrigation fluid flowand suction flow.
 24. A hand controlled valving method for controllingthe flow of one of medical irrigation fluid and suction respectively toand from a surgical site via a source line and a delivery linecomprising the steps of: providing a substantially cylindrically shapedvalve body sized to fit within an operator's hand; providing aclick-open, click-close mechanical switch in said valve body; one ofsubstantially blocking and releasing flow of said one of medicalirrigation fluid and suction through said valve body and hence to saiddelivery line while substantially maintaining said cylindrically shapedof said valve body; changing said flow from one of said blocking andreleasing to the other of said blocking and releasing by clicking opensaid mechanical switch while creating a depression in said cylindricallyshaped valve body; and, returning said flow to the other of saidblocking and releasing by clicking close said mechanical switch andreturning said valve body to said cylindrical shape.
 25. A valvingmethod as claimed in claim 24 including the step of providing an audiblesound during the click action of said mechanical switch.
 26. A valvingmethod as claimed in claim 24 including the step of providing a tactileresponse to the operator during the click open step and the click closestep.
 27. A valving method as claimed in claim 24 wherein the methodcontrols flow of both said irrigation fluid and said suction via a pairof source lines respectively carrying said irrigation fluid and saidsuction, said method including the steps of: providing two,independently actuatable click-open, click-close mechanical switches;and independently changing the flow and returning the flow of saidirrigation fluid and suction through said valve body.
 28. A valvingmethod as claimed in claim 27 including the step of creating aconfluence of fluid and suction between said delivery line and saidblockage of irrigation fluid flow and suction flow.